Broom apron



M. L. MIRHIGE July 7, I942,

BROOM APRON Patented July 7, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

The present invention consists of a broom apron adapted for use in cleaning different surfaces, the apron being reversible to effect a complete cleansing operation notwithstanding the surface structure and without undue wear on the apron.

I am, of course, aware that various types of cleaning agents have been employed for attachment to brooms, some of which have been helpful for the intended purpose. After much experiment I have found it necessary for eflicient work that the apron include an extended margin or fin applicable for use in corners, crevices, beneath and between objects, especially radiators, the margin being of sufficient inherent stability to remain uniplanar with the broom head axis, yet of ample flexibility to automatically conform to the curvature of the walls of interstices, recesses and the like over which and between which said marginor fin is being wiped or urged.

It is further within the contemplation of this invention to provide a process of making a broom apron whereby a broom envelope is provided, the envelope being characterized by a marginal fin circumscribing the broom head and adapted for special cleansing operations.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the present preferred form of the invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein Fig. l is a side elevational view of a broom apron constructed in accordance with this invention, illustrating its application on a broom,

Fig. 2 is a perspective View of a broom apron per se, a V

Fig. 3 is a detail fragmentarysectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. llooking in the direction of the arrows,

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the apron illustrating its application on a broom with the apron turned inside out, and

Fig. 5 is a detail fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

To illustrate the application of my invention, a broom of conventional construction and design is illustrated embodying a handle 6 and a head I.

The apron constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a blank which is folded approximately midway its ends, as indicated at 8, to provide opposed parts or sides 9, one of which is bifurcated to provide a placket 10. The lateral margin of each side is reversely folded upon itself and these margins are secured in superimposed relation, to provide a thickened reinforced perimeter II. This provides an envelope, the cavity of which is reduced by securing the sides 9 together, at a point remote from the perimeter II, by suitable fastening means l2. In the present instance the fastening means is shown to consist of a row of stitches which extend in parallel relation to the outer margin or perimeter of the envelope, thereby providing a cleaning flap or fin l3. By this method of securement, a cleaning agent is provided which is of sufficient inherent stability to normally lie uniplanar with the axis of the envelope cavity, yet since the envelope is made of a suitable textile, ample fiexibility is provided to permit automatic conformation of the fin to surfaces of various constructions and curvatures. The cavity within the fin I3 is of course adapted for the reception of the broom head, as shown in Fig. 3.

The open end of the envelope is constricted and provided with a hem M, in which a slip cord I5 is mounted. The cord is adapted to contract the hem into snug engagement with the broom handle adjacent the jointure of the latter, as shown in Fig. l.

It is preferred that the material from which the apron is constructed be of a fleecy or Woolly texture on one side, asshown in Figs. 1 and 2, this side of the apron being especially adapted. for polished surfaces. It is also preferred that the opposite side of the apron be made of a coarser or rougher material for adaptation on unpolished and roughened surfaces.

In Figs. 4 and 5 the inner or coarser side of the apron is exposed. In this position the slip cord or draw string I5 is used in the same 'man ner so as to urge the apron into snug engagement with the handle at the inner end of the broom head. When the apron is mounted on the broom head in this reverse position, the cleaning flap l3 lies against one of the sides 9, as shown in Fig. 5. This is desirable, especially at the free end of the broom, since a cushion is provided on said free end at one side thereof to augment the cleaning action of the apron. This likewise reinforces the apron at the zone of greatest stress thereby adding to the longevity of the apron.

When the apron is used with the flap 13 exposed, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, it is manifest that the apron may be used for a variety of purposes. The flap is especially adapted for use, however, in cleaning between the fins of radiators, the angles of walls, rafters and the like, likewise in furniture dusting operations and the like.

Although I have herein outlined some of the uses and advantages of my invention, I am nevertheless aware that it is susceptible of many other uses within the scope of the claim hereto appended.

What is claimed is:

A broom apron comprising a blank folded upon itself to provide a pair of parallel panels, the side marginal edges of the panels being inverted and secured together, and securing means extending through and fastening said panels at a point remote from the closed end and side marginal edges of the panels, to provide a continuous flat cleaning fin at the outer end and sides of the blank MAYBELLE L. MIRHIGE. 

